Latest LiveBIG News

Tonight, the 2014 LiveBIG season continues with the Penn State episode premier after the Nittany Lions skate against the Golden Gophers from Minnesota in Big Ten hockey action. The success of Penn State’s Ability Athletics program is undeniable. Its athletes have competed for national championships and represented the United States at both the Paralympic Games and Parapan American Games. Teri Jordan, the Disability Recreation Programs Coordinator at Penn State, along with a team of interns and volunteers, offer disabled students and wounded warriors the opportunity to train and compete internationally in track-and-field and weightlifting events or to participate in recreational sports, such as

As a 21-year-old quarterback at Michigan, Brian Griese was on top of the world after leading the Wolverines to their first national championship in 49 years. But on the inside, Griese was hurting. Nine years before playing at college football’s highest level, Griese lost his mother to cancer. Midway through his NFL career, Griese started Judi’s House, a bereavement support community that helps children and families cope with the death of a loved one. His goal was to provide support so that kids didn’t have to bottle up the emotions like he did for so many years. Judi’s House is

As the 2014 begins, we’d like to know how you plan on giving back in the new year. Please share with us how, and how often, you plan to work in your community this year. If there are any organizations that you work with on or around a Big Ten university campus, please let us know in the comments, or on our Facebook page!

Tonight the University of Illinois episode kicks off the 2014 LiveBIG season after Coach John Groce’s Fighting Illini take on the Wisconsin Badgers. In the episode you’ll learn more about astronaut Mike Hopkins, who was once the captain of the Illinois football team, and the largest supercomputer in the world (aka “Blue Waters”). Here’s a sneak peak of tonight’s episode.

When you ask a student, “What is your favorite subject in school?” it’s not often you’ll hear a resounding “Math!” in reply. In fact, only about 10% of students who take the ACT indicate an interest in pursuing a career in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering or math). On November 21, 2013, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln continued its mission to show high school students that math can be fun and encourage them to consider a career in one of the STEM majors, through its 24th annual “Math Day.” “Math Day” is an all-day event for Nebraska high school students, consisting of

The new season of LiveBIG shows on BTN kicks off this week! Click here for the complete schedule. University of Illinois men’s basketball coach John Groce received an American flag from Air Force pilot Adam Hopkins before the Illini hosted Indiana last week. Read the incredible story about why Hopkins made the presentation to Groce here. President Obama recently honored University of Iowa researcher Randall McEntaffer with a Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Read more here. We featured Budzien’s inspiring work with the Special Olympics in December. After the NHL’s Winter Classic at the Big House in

Years before the Washington Redskins made him their starting quarterback this season, Kirk Cousins was displaying leadership skills at Michigan State. Today, as his Spartans play in the 100th Rose Bowl Game, Cousins will serve as the honorary captain for his alma mater. Cousins earned many accolades during his time in East Lansing, Mich., for his work on and off the field; he was an All-Big Ten quarterback who earned the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for his community service during a stellar playing career. Over the last few years, Cousins has been hosting a football camp on the campus of

Since the beginning of November, we’ve been sharing the inspiring stories of Big Ten students, faculty and alumni who are making a difference in the world through innovations in research, education and community service. In an effort to shine a light on even more wonderful Big Ten happenings, we’ll be serving up positive headlines every Monday morning, right here on the BTN LiveB1G blog. Indiana University announced a $40 million gift from Cindy Simon Skjodt for renovations to Assembly Hall. Throwback Thursday: The original Assembly Hall, build in 1896, and the current Assembly Hall, opened in 1971. #tbt pic.twitter.com/nq5Xt2y7Qv — Indiana University (@IUBloomington)

J.J. Watt is now a superstar in the NFL, but it wasn’t long ago that he was just a small-town kid from Pewaukee, Wisc., daring to dream of one day suiting up as a professional football player. Watt’s journey to stardom, a bumpy road that didn’t include any big-time college scholarship offers as a senior in high school, has given him perspective. “My parents always taught me it’s important to give back and help others,” Watt said. “I know how fortunate I have been to be able to play sports and they have given me so much. Because of playing

David Merritt knows a little bit about hard work paying off. In 2006, he tried out for Michigan’s basketball team and was awarded a walk-on spot. Two years later, he earned a scholarship, was named a co-captain and Academic All-Big Ten while helping Michigan to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 11 years. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in 2008, Merritt decided to dedicate his career to working hard for underserved youth through his company, Merit. Merit is a cause design company that sells fashionable and quality clothing and donates 20 percent of all sales to underprivileged youth. “We’re a